Griezmann brace keeps host France’s hopes alive

ANTOINE Griezmann scored twice in four minutes as Euro 2016 hosts, France, came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over 10-man Republic of Ireland at Stade de Lyon yesterday.

The goal-hero said tough words were exchanged at half time, after France were left trailing 1-0, following an early penalty converted by Ireland.

The win means France face England or Iceland in a Stade de France quarterfinal match-up on Sunday.

Paul Pogba brought Shane Long down within seconds of kick-off and Robbie Brady converted the penalty to put Ireland ahead with just two minutes gone.

But Griezmann underlined a superb performance, scoring two knockout goals in the second-half as the hosts floored the Irish.

“In the dressing room [after the first-half], we had words and that brought out a different French team,” Griezmann said.

French coach Didier Deschamps said: “It was difficult for us, because there was a penalty at the start which was a bit of a shock.”

Ireland’s problems were compounded by having to play the last 25 minutes with 10 men after Shane Duffy was red-carded.

ý Germany cruised to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 demolition of Slovakia in Lille.

Early in the first half, Slovakia failed to fully clear their lines and Jerome Boateng volleyed home his first-ever international goal from 21m out.

The Germans, who next face either holders Spain or Italy, saw a weak 13th minute penalty by Mesut Ozil saved, but two minutes from half time, Mario Gomez tapped home a perfect cut-back from Julian Draxler.

Any hope Slovakia had of forcing their way back into the game, was effectively over in the 63rd minute, when Draxler capped off a fine performance with the third goal – a volley into the roof of the net.